Chaos at Copa America raises doubts over U.S. 2026 World Cup readiness

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Fans of Colombia and Argentina the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Copa America soccer final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday saw chaotic scenes at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami — and is raising questions about the United States' preparedness to co-host the 2026 World Cup. The stadium, home field of the NFL's Miami Dolphins with a capacity of more than 65,000 spectators, was overwhelmed when non-ticketed fans rushed the gates, climbing through security railings and air vents to get in. Facilities and barriers were damaged, ticketed fans were boxed out from their seats by non-paying crowds, and the game was ultimately delayed more than 80 minutes, ending after midnight with an Argentinian victory over Colombia. (A halftime show was also added this year in a first for the league, further extending the event.) "It was, without a question, not just an embarrassment, it was absurd," said Anjali Bal, Babson College associate professor of entertainment and sports marketing. Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert said at a press conference Monday that law enforcement is working with promoters and the stadium to make sure the incident doesn't happen again. "We host big events. Well, I've never seen anything like I saw last night, and we're not going to see that again," Gilbert said. A total of 27 arrests were made, including that of Colombia's soccer federation president Ramón Jesurún and his son, who were accused of attacking three security guards who stopped them from accessing the field, according to the arrest form. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said it responded to a total of 120 incidents at the stadium and the surrounding area, 116 of which were for medical calls.